Mr. Willie Buster Elrod Jr, age 87, of West Lebanon, Indiana, peacefully passed away at Rosewalk Village, Lafayette, IN, on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Born on May 2, 1939, in Hancock County, Tennessee. Willie was the son of Willie and Arie (Sutton) Elrod. He married Mildred Elrod (Deceased) on December 1, 1959, in Hancock County, TN. On September 27th, 2019, Willie married Connie (Bender) Elrod. Willie had resided in West Lebanon, Indiana, for 50 years. He moved from Elk Valley, Tennessee, in 1976.

Willie was the owner/operator of Elrod’s Tree Service for 55 years. He had many interests. Willie enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and raccoon hunting with his dogs. The family enjoyed many fishing trips to Wisconsin with friends. He also enjoyed country and southern gospel music. Later in life, he could be found at the “liar's table” at the Crossroads Restaurant.

Willie was an ordained minister since 1967 and pastored several churches across Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. He attended Talbot Missionary Baptist Church. Willie was saved in Hancock County, Tennessee, when he was 14years old

Surviving along with his wife, Connie, are his children Judy Rife, of Lafayette, Indiana, John Elrod of Tazewell, TN, James Elrod (wife, Nikki), of West Lebanon, IN, sister Janet Martin (husband Bill) of Springhill, TN, and a brother, Kenny Venable (wife Tina) of Maynardville, TN. Willie had 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Talbot Missionary Baptist Church in Talbot, IN, on Sunday, July 19th, 2026. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with the services at 2:00 pm. With Elder James Elrod officiating. Interment will be at West Lebanon Cemetery, West Lebanon, IN.

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. Talbot Missionary Baptist Church

   7040 S 680 W., Fowler, IN